Thank You for Your Donation
As a 501(c)3 organization, AFJN relies on individual and organizational membership, grants and donations from supporters for our operations and programs. Many of our organizational members are Catholic missionary communities in the U.S. and Africa. We are an extension of missionary witness in the difficult yet important arena of US political decisions that affect African people.
Our Work Makes an Impact
Some teachers were noted for taking money from parents for several reasons. When confronted, such teachers and students were sensitized on the impact of their actions on the students and the institution. With the persistence of such practices, a letter of explanation was given to teachers and parents, and subsequently, the teachers were sanctioned by the deduction from their salaries of a sum proportional to the amount they got from students. Meanwhile, such parents received warning letters. Some sanctions went as far as the dismissal of a teacher.
I happened to have left home for a journey of some distance and only realized I had forgotten my facemask after I was miles away from home. Mindful of the corruption surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, I had to choose between continuing my journey by paying off the police officer with 500 Francs or rushing back home to get my facemask, losing time, and losing money for transport fare. Wanting to be a protagonist in the fight against corruption, I chose what was more difficult and what was right to do. I took a motorbike, rushed home, and got my mask. My duty against corrupt practices was now done, and my soul could be at ease. Throughout the journey, I saw how uncomfortable passengers were at each checkpoint. I took this opportunity to share my experience with those around me. Our little efforts can go a long way to put an end to corruption.
After the workshop on the fight against corruption that took place in Babete, I submitted the training report to the Foumban school sector inspector, followed by a brief report to the administrative authorities of the education sector.
After receiving this report, the school directors took note of the ways corruption was happening in the school. The first action the school principal took was to put an end to visits during school hours by parents who come to see teachers and give them something so they can give special treatment to their children. Now there are no more parental visits during school hours. We have instituted this rule at St. Joseph School Complex: Parents must go through the administration for any problem, and any possible motivations of teachers will be assessed only at the end of the school year.
I was scolded for not having made a technical visit when I was leaving Foumbot for Bafoussam. To make the visit, I went to pay the fine and got a receipt. I was proud not to have bribed the road safety police. Sacrifice is part of the process to fight corruption. Fees are still charged in some departments, and they do not give receipts. Practically, without a receipt, you have not paid.
Before the BABETE seminar, corruption always gnawed at us, without anyone speaking about it, for fear of reprisals and through ignorance of what to do to contribute to the fight against this scourge. Since that meeting, our activism is bringing many victims to denounce actions that we could not denounce for lack of proof. Currently, customers of Enéo (the electric company of Cameroon) have been complaining about the acts of corruption they suffer from subcontracting agents. I made a complaint to Enéo at the 8010-phone hotline, and I am waiting for a response.
Thank You for Supporting the Africa Faith and Justice Network!
